Endoparasite Infections in Pet and Zoo Birds in Italy

Abstract

Faecal samples were individually collected from pet (n=63) and zoo (n=83) birds representing 14 orders and 63 species. All the samples were examined by faecal flotation technique. In a subgroup of samples (n=75), molecular assays were also used to detectCryptosporidiumoocysts andGiardia duodenaliscysts. Overall, 35.6% of the birds harboured parasites (42.2% of zoo birds and 27% of pet birds), including Strongyles-Capillarids (8.9%),Ascaridia(6.8%), Strongyles (5.5%),G. duodenalisAssemblage A (5.3%), Coccidia (4.1%),Cryptosporidium(4%),Porrocaecum(2.7%),Porrocaecum-Capillarids (2%), andSyngamus-Capillarids (0.7%). The zoonoticG. duodenalisAssemblage A andCryptosporidiumwere exclusively found in Psittaciformes, with prevalences of 10.3% and 7.7% within this bird group. Zoo birds were more likely to harbor mixed infections (OR = 14.81) and symptomatic birds to be parasitized (OR = 4.72). Clinicians should be aware of the public health implications posed by zoonoticG. duodenalisAssemblages andCryptosporidiumspecies in captive birds.